Okay bestie, if you like that slightly messy-but-put-together vibe, you and I are on the same page – medium length mens haircuts with fade are my new obsession and they look amazing whether your hair is straight, wavy, or curly.
I made this list because I kept ripping through the same old barber photos and wanted real, wearable ideas that I’ve actually tried on my partner and friends – I know the panic of a cut that looks great in photos but weird in daylight. I’ve had the panic of a too-short fade and the joy of the perfect taper that frames the neck, so I’m sharing what worked.
Scroll through these 20 looks and you’ll get styling tips, what hair types each suits, and simple product picks to recreate them at home.
These 20 Medium Length Mens Haircuts With Fade
Shaggy Taper Mullet
This shaggy taper mullet pairs medium length layers with a neat fade at the sides – it’s a statement but surprisingly low effort. Best for straight to slightly wavy hair and medium density – if your hair is fine you’ll want a little texture spray to bulk it up. I helped my friend grow into this after a bad buzz cut and it became his go-to for weekends.
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Modern Mullet Fade
Chunky layers in the back with a tight sides fade – this Modern Mullet Fade is great if you want something edgy but wearable. It works for straight to wavy hair and is medium difficulty for upkeep – regular trims keep the shape crisp. Quick tip – ask your barber for a soft disconnect between the top and the faded side rather than a harsh line.
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Textured Medium Crop
Shorter on top but still medium length overall, this textured crop with a neat fade at the temples is foolproof for busy mornings. Ideal for thick or medium hair types; if your hair is curly you’ll get a different but cool effect. When I tried this on my brother, his cowlick played nice once we used a little styling cream – so don’t be afraid to experiment.
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Faux Hawk Fade
The faux hawk with a clean fade gives height without being over the top – it’s great for round faces since it adds vertical shape. Best on straight to wavy hair and medium styling skill required to sculpt the center. My ex once rocked this for a summer festival and it lasted all night with a small jar of pomade.
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Long Top Low Fade
This one keeps noticeably more length up top with a subtle low fade – perfect for a softer, laid-back look. It suits wavy or straight hair and is low difficulty if you like air-drying. I love this for weekend looks; you can run your fingers through and be good to go.
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Tapered Surfer Cut
Casual, textured, and slightly beachy – the tapered surfer cut pairs medium layers with a tidy fade. Great for wavy hair or hair that holds a bend naturally; styling is simple with salt spray or mousse. I once used sea salt spray on damp hair and it gave instant movement without heat.
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Mid Fade Wavy Layers
This style emphasizes natural wave with a clean mid fade to keep it tidy – perfect for anyone with medium to thick hair. It has medium difficulty because you’ll want a diffuser on humid days. One tip – scrunch with curl cream while damp for a defined, lived-in look.
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BluMaan Surfer Fade
Inspired by the BluMaan surfer look, this cut has medium length movement and a low fade to keep the sides neat – great for black or dark hair tones. It works well with medium-thick hair and is easy to style with a cream or light paste. I’ve recommended this to friends who commute – it still looks fresh after a messy day.
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Mid Skin Fade Mullet
The mid skin fade mullet is bold but surprisingly wearable; it pairs longer rear length with shaved skin on the sides. Best for thicker hair and medium styling skill to maintain the separation. My friend with naturally wavy hair found this kept his look adventurous yet office-friendly when kept neat.
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Soft Mullet Taper
This soft mullet taper keeps the back longer but blends the sides gently – it’s forgiving and low maintenance. Works great on straight or slightly wavy hair; styling can be as simple as a dab of cream. Fun fact – I convinced my co-worker to try this after months of poker-straight cuts and he loved the personality it added.
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Curtain Fringe Fade
The curtain fringe with a fade frames the face while keeping movement up top – great if you love a retro nod. Best on straight to wavy hair, medium difficulty because you’ll need to maintain length in the front. My hair-advice rule is to show your barber a picture and say you want soft layering, not heavy bangs.
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Curly Taper Fade
A curly taper fade shows off natural curls while keeping sides tidy – ideal for curly textures and medium to high density. Difficulty is medium since curly hair needs the right products to avoid frizz. Pro tip – always use a curl cream and avoid heavy waxes that flatten the curl pattern.
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Burst Fade Mullet
The burst fade creates a semicircular fade around the ear with more texture on top – it’s playful and modern. Works on many hair types; expect medium difficulty for styling to define the spikes. If you like edgier looks, this one gives that without being tricky to maintain.
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Tapered Mohawk Variation
This softer mohawk keeps length in the middle with tapered sides for an elongated silhouette – great if you want drama without commitment. It’s best on straight to wavy hair and needs moderate styling to keep the ridge defined. One trick is blow-drying the center while lifting with your fingers for natural volume.
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Tapered Wolf Cut
The wolf cut brings shaggy layers and choppy texture with a neat fade for contrast – fun and modern. Ideal for medium to thick hair and medium styling know-how to get the choppy look right. I once used a thinning shear to soften heavy layers and it made all the difference.
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Tapered Comb Over Flow
Classic with a modern taper – the comb over flow keeps medium length hair slicked to the side with a faded finish. It suits straight to wavy hair and is low to medium difficulty depending on how polished you want it. For a softer look, run a serum through instead of heavy pomade.
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Layered Fringe Fade
Layered fringe softens the face while a fade keeps things modern – great if you want a fashion forward look without going extreme. Works on medium density hair and is medium difficulty to maintain length and layers. Quick tip – schedule trims every 6-8 weeks to keep the fringe in shape.
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70s Mod Cut Revival
A nod to the 70s with modern fades – this medium flow works especially well on rounder face shapes to add length. Best for straight to slightly wavy hair and medium styling skill to keep the flow natural. I love how retro details feel fresh again with a clean taper at the sides.
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Temple Fade Textured Flow
The temple fade gives a polished edge while textured flow keeps it relaxed – great for a work-to-weekend look. Suits many hair types; difficulty depends on how textured you want it. I usually recommend a matte product to keep texture visible without shine.
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Mullet Starter Cut
If you’re curious about mullets but nervous, the starter cut keeps length manageable with a clean fade – perfect experiment. Works for straight or wavy hair and is low difficulty to manage. When a friend tried this before a vacation, we both agreed it was the most fun short-term change he’d made.
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How to Actually Make This Work For You
Think of the fade as the tailoring and the medium length as the wardrobe – ask your barber how high you want the fade and what length you want left on top, then match products to your hair texture so it behaves how you want. If your hair is fine, add lightweight texture and avoid heavy waxes; if it is thick or curly, embrace creams and leave-in conditioners so the shape sits without frizz. Finally, schedule regular tidy-ups so the fade stays sharp while the length maintains personality.
Which hair types suit these cuts best?
Most of these medium length mens haircuts with fade work for straight, wavy, and curly hair if you adjust the product and the layering – straight hair benefits from texture sprays, wavy hair from leave-ins, and curly hair from defining creams.
What tool or product should I buy first?
Start with a good texturizing product like a light paste or salt spray and a heat protectant if you use hot tools – those items make the biggest difference for styling control and health.
How can I save time styling in the morning?
Air-dry where possible and use a single multi-use product like a light cream that gives hold and texture – it halves your routine and keeps the look natural without layers of heavy products.
What’s a common mistake to avoid?
Asking for “short on the sides” without specifying how high you want the fade often leads to regrets – bring photos and describe exactly where the fade should start and how blended you want it.
